Sunday, August 28, 2016

Last Dog Days of Summer

I don't have kids in school anymore...well I have one who is working on her second university degree but she lives away from home and organizes herself for her return to the school year, so it doesn't really count for me. Anyways. I guess because of the many many years I've put in as a parent, I still see the start of the new school year as a time to buckle down and get back to work. And of course, pull out the tweeds, corduroys and woolen fabrics. But, it's still super hot out, and we have one more week before school starts. I came across a delicious aqua blue cotton/lycra jersey in my stash that I had bought from Fabric.com many years ago and decided it just needed to be a summer knit dress for myself.

I settled on McCalls 7186, View A.

Photocredit: mccallpattern.mccall.com

I cut it with my usual swayback alteration of about a 1/2" overlap (for a total of 1" decrease) and sewed it it up exactly as the pattern directions. WARNING - Note that you have to cut out one of the fronts with the pattern piece wrong side up - which the directions indicate, but this is unusual. Because you're only cutting one piece on a single layer, why they didn't just print it the other way is beyond me. Normally I don't read the pattern directions, but in this case something told me it would be a good idea to. I am glad I did!

I love this dress. In fact, I'm wearing it as I type. I took it in a tiny bit at the waist gathers just to secure the overlap a bit more to resolve some minor gaping at the bust (I'm a 34DD, but short waisted). The gathers are flattering, and it is super comfortable. I have had no gaping issues today, and don't have to wear a camisole or tank underneath either.

I will certainly be making this again in the long sleeve version for fall in a heavier knit.